Short story on the age of some rare pieces.

I saw an interesting story on researching the age of timber yesterday on Logan and Angelina’s @ourdollarhouse. Made me think of a few pieces I’ve sold and still have. This is a short story on the age of some rare pieces.

Being a semi retired antique and art dealer, specialising in furniture from that 16th – 20th century, I’ve had many pieces between 500 – 300 years old. Coming to mind,
One outstanding early 16th century Flemish oak credence table from 1520.
A small first half 17th century English oak livery cupboard 1600 – 1640
(both sold to the same Western District family)
an early to mid 17th century English oak refectory table 1600 – 1650, the thick removable cleated top, one single plank! Also graffitied T.A.S. 19/7/13, could’ve been scratched 1713 or 1813, I’d say 1713, due to the soft worn edges.
Truly amazing having this history in my hands. Actually, I recently bought that table back after selling to a friend 25 years ago!
I also sell art from 14th – 20th centuries. I have several large unused pages from a book of hand coloured copper engravings from 1686, actually by Hendrick Draakestein, how’s that for history. So the oak tree used for that 1520 credence table would have been at least 150 years old, so planted at least 1380. The wide plank of ok on the refectory table planted at least 1500.

Looks like we share a deep passion for history and timbers.

I also mentioned the 17th century paper I have from a book of botanical art by Hendrick Draakestein 1686, wonderful to have.

Photography by Russell Winnell Photography